I've never been a shopper. Never, that is, until the Internet turned my laptop computer into an international department store.

Now, unfortunately, the guy who used to be allergic to shopping malls has become a shopaholic.

There were always things that I wanted, of course. I just didn't want to drive around looking for them all day. But the Internet, abetted by Google and PayPal, has taken care of that.

Now I can shop not only at stores in Roanoke, but all over the world, without ever leaving my desk.

A look at my various online accounts over the last several months shows some very questionable purchases indeed.

Did I really need the mother-of-pearl fingerboard dots ($5.81), the slightly used penny loafers ($20.84), or the MP3 of Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto performing "Girl from Ipanema" ($1.29)? Like I couldn't find that one on YouTube.

There are definitely some good things about online shopping. It's easier, faster, and better for the environment. But the dangers are pretty clear, too.

So I've set a few new ground rules, going forward. No shopping after 9. Absolutely no shopping after wine. And I need to remember that I can sell things on the Internet, too.

EBay, here I come.

Weather Journal

20 hours ago